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United States Patent |
5,782,568
|
Roder
,   et al.
|
July 21, 1998
|
Application system
Abstract
Described is an application system (10) having an applicator (16) and a
container (12) in which a liquid application medium (14) is disposed. The
applicator (16) has a handle (18) and an applicator member (20) which can
be wetted with the liquid application medium, and it can be introduced
into the container (12) through an opening (26), with the applicator
member (20) leading. Starting from the opening (26), extending into the
container (12) is a sleeve (32) which is sealingly fixed to the container
(12) with its upper end portion (36) and which at a middle portion (42) is
provided with at least one aperture (44) through which the inside of the
sleeve (32) is communicated with the interior of the container (12), which
surrounds the sleeve (32). The sleeve (32) is also provided with a shaping
portion (48) which serves for re-shaping the applicator member (20).
Inventors:
|
Roder; Georg (Schwabach, DE);
Griebel; Ulrich (Altdorf, DE);
Winkler; Wolfgang (Lauf/Pegnitz, DE)
|
Assignee:
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Schwan-STABILO Cosmetics GmbH & Co. (Heroldsberg, DE)
|
Appl. No.:
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619761 |
Filed:
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March 26, 1996 |
PCT Filed:
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January 24, 1995
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PCT NO:
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PCT/DE95/00103
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371 Date:
|
March 26, 1996
|
102(e) Date:
|
March 26, 1996
|
PCT PUB.NO.:
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WO95/20891 |
PCT PUB. Date:
|
August 10, 1995 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Feb 07, 1994[DE] | 44 03 689.2 |
Current U.S. Class: |
401/122; 401/129 |
Intern'l Class: |
A46B 011/04 |
Field of Search: |
401/122,129,130
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
2691184 | Oct., 1954 | Miller et al.
| |
3115270 | Dec., 1963 | Melnikoff.
| |
3311941 | Apr., 1967 | Buchwalter et al.
| |
3951157 | Apr., 1976 | Idec.
| |
4101225 | Jul., 1978 | Linz et al.
| |
4189245 | Feb., 1980 | Bennett.
| |
4796647 | Jan., 1989 | Gueret.
| |
4841996 | Jun., 1989 | Gueret.
| |
4974980 | Dec., 1990 | Gueret.
| |
5242232 | Sep., 1993 | Kuhn | 401/130.
|
5324128 | Jun., 1994 | Gueret.
| |
Primary Examiner: Bratlie; Steven A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bachman & LaPointe, P.C.
Claims
We claim:
1. An applicator system comprising an applicator having a handle and an
applicator member, a container having a liquid medium into which the
applicator is inserted through an opening for wetting the applicator
member with the liquid medium, wherein the applicator seals off the
container when in a closed position, the improvement which comprises a
hollow sleeve member extending into the container from the opening wherein
the hollow sleeve member receives the applicator when in the closed
position, said hollow sleeve member comprising an upper end, a middle
portion and a lower end portion; said upper end of said hollow sleeve is
sealingly fixed to the container at the opening; said middle portion is
provided with at least one aperture communicating the hollow sleeve with
the medium in the interior of the container surrounding the sleeve; and
said lower end portion is formed of a conically tapered shaping portion
for re-shaping the applicator member, wherein adjoining the shaping
portion at the lower end portion of the hollow sleeve is a sleeve end
portion which touches the bottom of the container, said sleeve end portion
being provided with a plurality of capillary slots for communicating the
medium in the interior of the container with the hollow sleeve portion.
2. An applicator system according to claim 1 wherein the middle portion of
the hollow sleeve member is provided with a plurality of apertures, each
of said apertures being in the form of an axially extending longitudinal
slot.
3. An applicator system according to claim 1 wherein the container includes
a neck portion which defines an opening and the hollow sleeve member is
fixed to the neck portion.
4. An applicator system according to claim 3 wherein the neck portion of
the container is provided with an external screwthread and the handle of
the applicator is provided with a corresponding internal screwthread.
5. An applicator system according to claim 1 wherein the upper end of the
hollow sleeve is provided with an inwardly facing bead which forms a wiper
for the applicator as the applicator is drawn out of the container.
6. An applicator system according to claim 1 wherein at least one mixing
means is provided in the liquid medium in the container.
7. An applicator system according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is
provided with an intermediate part and the applicator member is fixed to
one end of the intermediate part while the handle is secured to the other
end of the intermediate part.
8. An applicator system according to claim 7 wherein the applicator member
is formed with a fixing portion which is fixed to an end portion of the
intermediate part.
9. An applicator system according to claim 8 wherein the intermediate part
has a wall member defining a blind hole into which the applicator member
is fixed, said wall being formed with at least one capillary aperture.
10. An applicator system according to claim 9 wherein the wall defining the
blind hole is formed with a plurality of capillary channels and where ribs
are provided between adjacent capillary channels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns an application system comprising an applicator and a
container which is provided for a liquid application medium and into which
the applicator having a handle and an applicator member which can be
wetted with the liquid application medium can be introduced through the
opening, with the applicator member leading, wherein the applicator seals
off the container in the condition of being introduced into the container.
Application systems of that kind are known for example in the form of
so-called dip liners which are used in the cosmetic area .
In the case of the known application systems of the above-indicated kind,
after a prolonged period of use it is not out of the question that the
applicator member becomes more or less useless because for example it may
adopt a fanned-out configuration. It is also to be noted that, in the case
of the known application systems of the kind set forth in the opening part
of this specification, the application medium often cannot be completely
removed from the container, that is to say, a residue of the application
medium may be left behind in the container.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,326 discloses an application system having an
applicator and a container for an application medium. In that system the
container forms a closure cap for an applicator of a pencil-like
configuration. The application medium is of a pasty consistency, more
specifically that involving an applicator in the manner of a lip pencil.
The applicator can be introduced into the cap-shaped container, with the
applicator member leading, in which case the applicator seals off the
container in the condition of being introduced into the container. In that
known application system, provided in the interior of the cap-like
container is a screwthreaded spindle which is secured to a fixing element.
The screwthreaded spindle is screwed through a piston element which is
secured against rotary movement in the cap-like container and which is
axially movably guided therein. Rotary movement of the applicator which is
fitted on to the cap-like container, about its longitudinal axis, provides
for corresponding rotary movement of the fixing element and with same a
rotary movement of the screwthreaded spindle. That rotary movement of the
screwthreaded spindle is converted into an axial movement of the piston.
By virtue of that axial movement of the piston, the pasty application
medium is moved forwardly towards the applicator member in the cap-like
container. An application system is also known from DE 37 30 838 Al.
The object of the present invention is to provide an application system of
the kind stated in the opening part of this specification, which, while
being of a simple design configuration, does not suffer from the
above-mentioned disadvantages, that is to say in which the applicator
member is subjected to a subsequent shaping effect almost at any time, and
in which also the last residues of the application medium can be removed
from the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an application system of the kind set forth in the opening part of this
specification, in accordance with the invention that object is attained in
that starting from the opening a sleeve extends into the container, which
sleeve is sealingly fixed with its end portion at its upper end to the
container and which at a middle portion is formed with at least one
aperture communicating the inside of the sleeve with the interior of the
container surrounding the sleeve and which at its end portion at its lower
end is formed with a conically tapered shaping portion for re-shaping the
applicator member, wherein adjoining the shaping portion at the front or
lower end is a sleeve end portion which touches the bottom of the
container and which is provided with capillary slots.
For the purposes of sealingly fixing the sleeve in the opening in the
container, the sleeve may be provided at its top end with a bead or ridge
which extends therearound on the outside and, axially spaced from the bead
or ridge, with support elements which also project outwardly, wherein the
sleeve is axially immovably fixed in the opening of the container by said
peripherally extending bead or ridge and the support elements.
By virtue of the fact that, if the shaping portion of the sleeve is of a
conically tapered configuration and adjoining the shaping portion at the
front or lower end thereof is a sleeve end portion which touches the
bottom of the container and which is provided with capillary slots,
reliable re-shaping of the applicator member of the applicator when fitted
into the container and optimum wetting of the applicator member with
application medium are advantageously achieved. The capillary slots in the
front end portion of the sleeve make it possible for even the last
residues of the application medium in the container to be conveyed through
the capillary slots into the interior of the sleeve or into the adjoining
conical shaping portion, and for the applicator member to be wetted with
those last residues of the liquid application medium. As, in accordance
with the invention, the front sleeve end portion which has the capillary
slots touches the bottom of the container, complete emptying of the
container is thus possible. Furthermore, that design configuration with
the front end portion of the sleeve bearing against the bottom of the
container provides for accurately defined positioning of the sleeve in the
container, in which respect the fact that the sleeve end portion has
capillary slots also makes it possible to compensate for certain
dimensional tolerances in respect of the sleeve and the container.
It has been found desirable if provided at the periphery of the sleeve is a
number of apertures which are in the form of axially extending
longitudinal slots. Those longitudinal slots which are preferably
equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the sleeve may be of internal
dimensions such that they produce a capillary conveying action for the
application medium from the container into the interior of the sleeve.
That provides that the applicator disposed in the container, or the
applicator member thereof, is reliably supplied with application medium.
It is advantageous if the container is provided with a neck portion which
defines its opening and to which the sleeve is fixed. For the purposes of
sealingly fixing the sleeve in the neck portion of the container, the
internal cross-section of the neck portion is suitably matched to the
external cross-section of the sleeve.
It is desirable if, in the application system according to the invention,
at its upper end portion the sleeve has an inwardly facing bead or ridge
which forms a scraper or stripper for the applicator as it moves out of
the container. As the applicator is pulled out, the scraper scrapes
surplus application medium off the applicator so that only a precisely
defined amount of the application medium is provided on the applicator or
the applicator member, in the condition in which it is removed from the
container. The corresponding cosmetic use such as for example pencilling
in an eyelid line is consequently possible with a very great degree of
accuracy.
As the application system according to the invention usually employs a
liquid application medium which contains color pigments in a suitable
solvent, it is desirable if at least one mixing body is freely movably
disposed in the container of the application system according to the
invention. The at least one mixing body is for example a ball of metal,
plastic material or the like. Uniform mixing of the application medium
which has possibly sedimented out is effected by virtue of the free
mobility of said at least one mixing body, by shaking the container which
is closed with the applicator, and by virtue of the resulting movement of
the at least one mixing body.
An application system which can be adapted to any customer requirements
easily and without involving problems is afforded if, in accordance with
the invention, the applicator member is fixed to an intermediate part
which is secured to the handle of the applicator. In that respect it is
desirable if the applicator member is formed with a fixing portion with
which it is fixed to an end portion of the intermediate part, and if, at
the second end portion remote from the first end portion, the intermediate
part has a securing portion with which it is secured to the handle of the
applicator. Such a three-part configuration of the applicator comprising
handle, intermediate part and applicator member affords the possibility of
combining different applicator members with different handles, as
required. Thus the applicator member may be for example in the form of a
small brush in which the brush bristles project from the fixing portion.
Likewise it is possible for the applicator member to be formed from a
porous sintered material, a fiber wick or the like, and for the fixing
portion to be formed in one piece for example with the applicator member.
The handle of the applicator may be in the form of a thin or comparatively
thick handle stick or in the form of a body portion with a receiving space
for a further applicator, that is to say in the manner of a protective cap
for such a further applicator, or of any other desired configuration.
A particularly high level of writing or marking performance is achieved
with the application system according to the invention if the intermediate
part is formed with a blind hole in which the applicator member is fixed
with its fixing portion, wherein the wall of the intermediate part, which
surrounds the blind hole, has at least one capillary aperture. That at
least one capillary aperture can be in the form of a longitudinal slot
which extends in the axial direction from the edge of the intermediate
part, which is adjacent to the applicator member. It is helpful for the
same purpose, that is to say a high level of writing or marking
performance, if the application system according to the invention provides
that the wall of the blind hole of the intermediate part is formed
alternately with ribs and capillary channels or grooves, in the peripheral
direction. The capillary channels form an additional capillary storage
volume which makes a corresponding contribution to the writing or marking
performance of the application system. In that arrangement the ribs
between adjacent capillary channels serve at the same time for reliably
fixing the applicator member with its fixing portion in the blind hole of
the intermediate part.
It is advantageous if, in the application system according to the
invention, the neck portion of the container is provided with an external
screwthread and the handle portion of the applicator is provided with a
corresponding internal screwthread portion. That configuration not only
permits reliable securing of the applicator to the container, but it also
ensures reliable sealing of the specified parts of the system. In
addition, such a screw connection between the applicator and the container
advantageously makes it possible to provide for accurately defined and
reliable re-shaping of the applicator member while the applicator is being
screwed into the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further details, features and advantages are apparent from the following
description of an embodiment illustrated in the drawing of the application
system according to the invention. In the drawing:
FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal section on an enlarged scale of a
configuration of the application system,
FIG. 2 shows successive working steps for production of the application
system shown in FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a handle, an intermediate part and an
applicator member of the applicator of the application system shown in
FIG. 1,
FIG. 4 is a view in longitudinal section through a second embodiment of the
handle of a corresponding applicator,
FIG. 5 shows a second configuration of the applicator member for an
applicator as shown in FIG. 3,
FIG. 6 shows the applicator of FIG. 3 in the assembled condition, with the
handle being shown in longitudinal section,
FIG. 7 is a side view on a greatly enlarged scale of a portion of the
intermediate part, partly cut-away, in combination with the applicator
member, and
FIG. 8 is a view in section taken along section line VIII--VIII in FIG. 7
through the intermediate part and the fixing portion of the applicator
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the application system 10 with a container 12
for an application medium 14 and with an applicator 16 having a handle 18
and an applicator member 20, wherein the applicator member 20 is connected
to the handle by means of an intermediate part 22.
The container 12 is provided with a neck portion 24 which defines an
opening 26 of the container 12. The neck portion 24 is provided with an
external screwthread 28. The handle 18 of the applicator 16 has an
internal screwthread 30, corresponding to the external screwthread 28, so
that it is possible for the applicator 16 to be screwed with its handle 18
on to the container 12 or the neck portion 24 thereof.
Arranged in the opening 26 of the container 12 is a sleeve 32 which at the
upper end has an outwardly facing peripherally extending bead or ridge 34
and contact hooks, at a spacing from the bead 34. The bead 34 definedly
limits the insertion movement of the sleeve 32 into the container 12. The
sleeve 32 is sealingly fixed in the neck portion 24 of the container 12 by
means of a portion 36 adjoining the bead 34, in the neck portion 24 of the
container 12. Adjoining the last-mentioned portion 36 of the sleeve 32 is
an inwardly facing bead or ridge 38 which extends around the sleeve 32 at
the inside thereof and which forms a scraper or stripper 40 which bears
closely against the intermediate part 22 of the applicator 16. In a middle
portion 42 the sleeve 32 is provided with openings which are in the form
of axially extending longitudinal slots 44. One of the longitudinal slots
44 can be seen on the right-hand side of the sleeve 32 in FIG. 1.
The lower end portion 46 of the sleeve 32 is of a conically tapered
configuration and serves as a shaping portion 48 for reshaping of the
applicator member 20 of the applicator 16 when it is fitted into the
container 12. Adjoining the conically tapered shaping portion 48 of the
sleeve 32 at the lower end thereof is a sleeve end portion 50 which is
formed with capillary slots 52. The last-mentioned lower end portion 50 of
the sleeve bears against the bottom 54 of the container 12 so that by
means of the capillary slots 52 in the sleeve end portion 50, even the
last residues of the application medium 14 in the container 12 are
transported through the capillary slots 52 into the shaping portion 48 of
the sleeve 32 in order there suitably to wet the applicator member 20.
Freely movably disposed in the container 12 is at least one mixing body 56
which serves to properly thoroughly mix again the application medium 14
which has possibly sedimented out, by virtue of the application medium 14
being shaken. The at least one mixing body 56 is for example a ball.
The applicator member 20 is formed with a fixing portion 58 with which it
is fixed to the associated end portion 60 of the intermediate part 22. At
its second end portion 62 which is remote from the end portion 60 the
intermediate part 22 has a securing portion 64 with which the intermediate
part 22 is secured to the handle 18 of the applicator 16. That securing
action is effected for example by pressing. The applicator member 20 can
be mechanically fixedly connected in a corresponding manner by pressing to
the first end portion 60 of the intermediate part 22.
FIG. 2 shows in successive working steps the production of an application
system 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein working step a) in FIG. 2
indicates testing of the container 12 in respect of sealing integrity by
means of a testing head 66. As soon as it has been established that the
container 12 enjoys suitable sealing integrity, introduced into the
container 12 is at least one mixing body 56, as is indicated by the arrow
68 in working step b) in FIG. 2. Then, in working step c) in FIG. 2, a
suitable application medium 14 is introduced into the container 12 which
is fitted with the at least one mixing body 56, by means of a filling
device 70. That application medium 14 is for example a suitable ink, with
for example between about 2 to 5 ml of the ink being introduced into the
container 12. Then in process step d) in FIG. 2, inserted into the
container 12 when prepared in that way is a sleeve 32 which is
subsequently moved into the container 12 in process step e) in FIG. 2
until the bead 34 at the upper end of the sleeve 32 bears snugly against
the neck portion 24 of the container 12. That insertion movement is
indicated by the arrow 72 in process step e). The sleeve 32 is then
immovably fixed by the bead 34 and contact hooks which are spaced
therefrom.
Working step f) which follows working step e) in FIG. 2 illustrates the
operation of fitting an applicator 16 on to the container 12, that is to
say inserting the intermediate part 22 with the applicator member 20 into
the sleeve 32 of the container 12 until the applicator 16 or its handle 18
bears with the internal screwthread 30 against the external screwthread 28
on the neck portion 24 of the container 12. Subsequently the applicator 16
is then screwed sealingly on to the container 12 by rotation of its handle
18, as illustrated by working step g) in FIG. 2. In that definitive
condition of use the applicator member 20 bears snugly against the shaping
portion 48 of the sleeve 32 so as to provide for re-shaping of the
applicator member 20.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an applicator 16 with a handle 18, an
intermediate part 22 and an applicator member 20 which is formed in one
piece with a fixing portion 58. The intermediate part 22 is formed at the
associated first end portion 60 with a blind hole 84 into which the
applicator member 20 is moved with its fixing portion 58, and fixed
therein. The second end portion 62 of the intermediate part 22, which is
remote from the first end portion 60, has a securing portion 64 which is
pressed into an associated portion 76 of the handle 18. For that purpose
the portion 76 is formed for example with longitudinal ribs 78.The
internal screwthread 30 with which the handle 18 is provided is also
clearly apparent from FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 shows a handle 18 with a portion 76 which is formed with
longitudinal ribs 78 and an internal screwthread 30 for screwing the
handle 18 on to a corresponding container 12 (see for example FIG. 1). The
handle 18 which is shown in longitudinal section in FIG. 4 is formed with
a receiving space 80 which is provided for receiving and sealingly holding
a further applicator such as for example a so-called cosmetic pencil.
FIG. 5 shows an applicator member 20 which is provided in the form of a
brush with brush bristles 82 which project from a fixing portion 58. An
applicator member 20 of that kind may also be combined with an
intermediate part 22 as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 shows an applicator 16 whose handle 18 is shown in longitudinal
section while the intermediate part 22 which is fixedly connected to the
handle 18, with the applicator member 20 projecting away from the
intermediate part 22 at the front end, is shown in a side view.
FIG. 7 is a side view on a greatly enlarged scale of a portion of the
intermediate part 22 which is shown in partly cut-away form, in order to
illustrate the fixing of the applicator member 20 in the intermediate part
22. For that purpose, at its end portion towards the applicator member 20,
the intermediate part has a blind hole 84 which extends from the edge 86
towards the applicator member 20, into the interior of the intermediate
part 22. Starting from the edge 86 the all 88 of the intermediate part 22,
which embraces the blind hole 84, has at least one capillary aperture 90.
The capillary aperture 90 forms a capillary storage means for the
application medium 14 in the container 12 (see FIG. 1). A further
additional capillary storage means for application medium is afforded by
the capillary grooves or channels 92 which, as is clearly apparent from
FIG. 8, are provided in the wall 94 of the blind hole 84 of the
intermediate part 22. The capillary channels 92 are spaced from each other
by ribs 96 in the peripheral direction of the wall 94 of the blind hole
84. The ribs 96 serve for fixing the applicator member 20 in the blind
hole 84 of the intermediate part 22.
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